WHEREAS, Section 468 (4) (V) / Section 458 (5) (Xii) / Section 447 (5) - (Xii) of The Local

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AN ORDINANCE CREATING AFRICAN SWINE FEVER (ASF) TASK FORCE AND FOR

THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF BANTAY ASF SA BARANGAY “BABay ASF”


PROGRAM PROVIDING POWERS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, Section 16 of the Local Government Code states that every local government unit
shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as
powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and
those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare;

WHEREAS, Section 468 (4) (v) / Section 458 (5) (xii) / Section 447 (5)_ (xii) of the Local
Government Code authorizes the Sangguniang Bayan to approve measures and adopt
quarantine regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within its territorial
jurisdiction;

WHEREAS, African Swine Fever (ASF), a high impact transboundary animal disease
(TAD), continues to affect the swine production sector of the Philippines with no vaccine and no
known cure to date; resulting to industry estimate of 36% reduction of national swine inventory
impacting both livelihood and agriculture economy;

WHEREAS, Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 12 (s. 2019) or the “National
Zoning and Movement Plan for the Prevention and Control of ASF” provides for the movement
protocols through classification of the country into various zones in an effort to manage, contain
and control the ASF virus;

WHEREAS, DA Administrative Order No. 6 (s. 2021) states the guidelines on the recovery,
rehabilitation and repopulation program for ASF-affected and Non-ASF Affected Areas which will
facilitate the recovery of the swine industry in the country;
WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture, likewise, issued DA Administrative Order No. 7 (s.
2021) or the “Implementing Guidelines for the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program” to empower
local government officials including those in the barangays of their roles in the disease control
programs of the government at the grass-root level for timely detection, management, control
and prevention of spread of any diseases, particularly ASF;

WHEREAS, successful control effort lies with strong collaboration between the Department of
Agriculture, its relevant agencies, with the Local Government Units (LGU), and stakeholders
taking ownership of such program benefitting the farmers and to ensure sustainability of the
Bantay ASF sa Barangay “BABay ASF” program in the municipality, it is imperative that it
be adopted and implemented through a local ordinance;

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the abovementioned provisions of the Local Government


Code and several issuances of the Department of Agriculture and to prevent and control the
spread of ASF thereby facilitating the recovery of the hog sector, be it ordained by the
Sangguniang Bayan that:

Section 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the “BABAY ASF ORDINANCE OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF GENERAL MARIANO ALVAREZ, CAVITE”

Section 2. OBJECTIVES
a. To strengthen and institutionalize LGU engagement for ASF prevention and control;
b. To establish an effective ASF monitoring, surveillance and reporting system;
c. To strengthen biosecurity measures at the farm level and border control;
d. To intensify awareness campaigns and other capacity building activities;
e. To assist in the recovery, rehabilitation and repopulation of previously affected areas;
and
f. To generate and mobilize resources for an effective implementation of the program.
Section 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS.

For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Ordinance, the following terms shall
apply:

3.1. Animal Disease Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (ADDRL) is the national


reference laboratory under the Bureau of Animal Industry that provides services in
support to animal health and production, regulatory, research and surveillance in the
whole country.

3.2. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease that affects all breeds of domestic
and wild pigs in the country and has already caused grave production and economic
losses in Luzon and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

3.3. Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) are Community/Village-Based Animal


Technicians (CBAT), Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHW), para-veterinary workers,
Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA), volunteer veterinarians who are not resident or
consulting veterinarian of any farm, or any person assigned by the municipality at the
Barangay shall also be known as Barangay Biosecurity Officers or BBO who will be
appointed, designated and registered as the frontliners of the BANTAY ASF SA
BARANGAY PROGRAM and shall have specific responsibilities indicated in this ordinance.

3.4. Biosecurity Level 1 refers to the level of farm biosecurity in compliance to minimum
standards set by the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP).
3.5. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is the primary agency mandated to control animal
diseases in the country.

3.6. Commercial Farm is a farm category for any farm with a swine population that
exceeds the definition of small-hold farm. In high density areas, commercial farms are
further classified into:

3.6.1. Semi-commercial Farm which refers to at least one of the following:


• Between 10-50 sow level
• Between 41 to 500 fatteners

3.6.2. Commercial Farm which refers to at least one of the following:


• 51 sow level and above
• 501 fatteners and above

3.7. Community is hereby defined in this program as a barangay or clustering of barangays

3.8. Consulting Veterinarians refer to veterinarians employed in 300 sow-level farms


and below as defined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act
8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

3.9. Contingency Plan outlines the needed plans and procedures in the event of an
incursion of the disease.

3.10. Department of Agriculture (DA) is the Executive Branch of the Philippine


Government mandated to improve, upgrade and regulate the agricultural sector.

3.11. Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DARFO) is the regional branch
of the DA that facilitates and supervises the formulation and execution of policies, plans
and programs of the Department in the respective regions.

3.12. Local Government Unit (LGU) is an administrative and political government unit
subsidiary to the national government which could itself consist of sub-units as in the
case of a province or a municipality.
3.13. Paiwi/Paalaga pertains to the system of rearing animals in some areas in the
Philippines whereby the care and management of few animals are delegated to
individuals in a community.

3.14. Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) is a government


laboratory under the DA Regional Field Office that provides services in support to animal
health and production, regulatory, research and surveillance in the region.

3.15. Resident Veterinarians refer to veterinarians employed in more than 300 sow-level
farms as defined in the IRR of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

3.16. Small-hold Farm (PNS/BAFS 267:2019: Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practice
(GAHP) for Swine) is most commonly known as backyard farm, which refers to at least
one of the following:

• Less than 21 heads of adult and zero head of young (1-20 heads adult and zero
young and below)
• Less than 41 heads of young animals (1-40 heads young and below)
• Less than 10 heads of adult and 22 heads of young (1-9 heads adult and 1-21 heads
young and below)
3.17. Test and Destroy refers to the testing swine population and when found positive for
ASF are subject for rapid, deliberate humane killing and proper disposal.

3.18. Veterinary Biosecurity Officers (VetBO) are Resident Veterinarians or Veterinary


Consultants who shall be recognized as Biosecurity Officers or VetBO. They shall be
registered and deputized to act as such and perform the duties and responsibilities
stated in this order.

Section 4. CREATION OF MUNICIPAL ASF TASK FORCE. The Municipal ASF Task Force
shall be formed and shall be the main authority to oversee the implementation of the provisions
of this Ordinance and other related activities as maybe provided by rules and regulations and
guidelines promulgated by higher authority or mandated by the national laws. It shall be
composed by the following:

MUNICIPAL ASF TASK FORCE

Chairperson - Municipal Mayor

Co-Chairperson - Municipal Administrator

Members - Municipal Agriculturist

MDRRM Officer

MENRO

Municipal Health Officer

Municipal Engineer

Municipal Information Officer

Chief of Police- PNP – GMA, Cavite

MLGOO-GMA, Cavite

ABC President/ SB Member

Sangguniang Bayan Member


Chairman, Committee on Agriculture
Sangguniang Bayan Member
Chairman, Committee on Health

President, Barangay Biosecurity Officers/


MAFC Chairman

3 NGO Representatives

The Task Force may include other agencies or stakeholders not mentioned in this
Ordinance but has an immense part in its implementation and who shall be named as
the expanded members of the Task Force.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) headed by the Municipal Agriculturist may be


created which will serve as the advisory body of the Task Force for the efficient
implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay “BABay ASF” Program.

Section 5. FUNCTIONS AND AUTHORITY GIVEN TO ASF TASK FORCE. The function
and role of the ASF Task Force include but are not limited to the following:

5.1. Main function of ASF Task Force

a. Main implementer of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay “BABay ASF” Program;

b. Formulate and draft local issuances, ordinances and contingency plans or the ASF
prevention and control measures in the Province;

c. Initiate and coordinate all ASF-related activities including quick response, disease
investigation, surveillance, animal movement control, information and education
and logistics to relevant agencies such as the National, Regional, City and
Municipal ASF Task Force.

d. Disseminate information, guidelines and memoranda to all stakeholders;

e. Regularly submit reports to the Local Chief executive on the status of its
activities;

f. Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the full and proper
implementation of ASF prevention and control protocols within the Municipality.

5.2. Authority given to ASF Task Force

a. Regulatory Authority. - The Municipal ASF Task Force shall have the authority
to regulate movement of live pigs, pork, pork products, by-products and other
products with pork ingredients in line with the national issuances and guidelines.

b. Visitorial Power - Upon presenting appropriate credentials or authority to the


owner, manager, operator, agent or any person within the premises, the Municipal
ASF Task Force shall have the power to enter and inspect swine farms and other
related establishments anytime, conduct disease investigation, surveillance,
monitoring and collection of laboratory specimens and samples, impose preventive
and control measures therein, in coordination with, and as may be necessary,
subject to biosafety and biosecurity entry requirements of concerned farms and
establishments.

c. Seizure and Confiscation - The Municipal ASF Task Force shall have the
authority to seize and confiscate animals, animal parts, products, and by-products,
feeds, feed ingredients, feed supplements and feed additives, veterinary biologics,
drugs, products and devices, and such other materials or substances that are
undocumented, or of unknown source and conditions, and are showing signs of
ASF, or reasonably suspected to be infected with or carriers of ASF, contaminated
with ASF or posing an imminent danger, threat and injury to the overall animal
health situation in their respective jurisdictions.

d. Animal Condemnation and Eradication Measures - The Municipal ASF Task


Force shall have the authority to institute condemnation and eradication measures
on animals that are diseased or reasonably suspected to be infected with ASF, and
are deemed a great risk to the swine population.

Section 6. INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF BIOSECURITY OFFICERS IN ALL CITIES AND


MUNICIPALITIES. To maximize the efforts in animal disease monitoring and response
to animal disease outbreaks including other veterinary related activities at the
grassroots level, Biosecurity Officers shall be organized in each city and municipality. RA
9418 or the “Volunteer Act of 2007” provides for the establishment of volunteer
programs by the LGUs who shall, likewise, provide recognition and incentive package to
the volunteers. Thus, the LGU shall allot fund for the creation, institutionalization of the
said organization and provision of incentive package for the volunteers.

6.1. Registration and Deputization of Biosecurity Officers

Veterinary Biosecurity Officers (VetBO) are Resident Veterinarians or Veterinary


Consultants who shall be recognized as Biosecurity Officers or VetBO while Barangay
Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) are Community/Village-Based Animal Technicians (CBAT),
Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHW), para-veterinary workers, Barangay Livestock
Aide (BALA), volunteer veterinarians who are not resident or consulting veterinarian of
any farm, or any person assigned/endorsed by the city/municipality to act as such and
perform the duties and responsibilities stated in this order. 

PVO - All VetBOs and BBOs shall be registered and deputized by the Municipal
Agriculture Office (MAO). VetBO shall apply directly to MAO, while BBO shall be
assigned/endorsed by MAO. Upon completion of all requirements and training, a
Biosecurity Officer Code will be issued by MAO.

MAO– The Municipal Agriculture Office shall endorse the list of registered BBO to be
issued a Biosecurity Officer Code by the PVO.

To fast track the implementation of this activity, all existing networks of Animal Health
Workers such as Barangay Animal Livestock Aide (BALA), Barangay Animal Health
Workers (BAHW), and other similar barangay officials assigned to assist in the
implementation of different animal health programmes shall be readily designated for
this purpose.

6.2. Duties and Responsibilities of Biosecurity Officers

6.2.1. Barangay Sample Collection in their assigned areas or farm in


coordination/supervision of the Municipal Agriculturist.

6.2.2. Biosecurity Evaluation and assignment of Biosecurity level in all the farms
assigned to the Biosecurity Officers.

6.2.3. On-time Reporting and submission of Weekly ASF Monitoring regularly to


their respective LGU and the summary of which will be submitted to the
Municipal Agriculture Office by the Municipality Agriculture Office.

Section 7. RECOVERY, REHABILITATION AND REPOPULATION. To ensure success in


the recovery, rehabilitation and repopulation efforts, the subsequent provisions must be
complied with in accordance to the DA AO no. 6 s. 2021 and DA AO No. 7 s. 2021. This
Ordinance hereby establishes that the exit from quarantine and reclassification of an ASF
outbreak zone are the initial steps for recovery, rehabilitation and eventual repopulation.

7.1. LGU ORDINANCES

7.1.1. Creation of Municipal ASF Task Force


7.1.2. Adoption of BABay ASF Program

7.2. SUBMISSION OF DATA & REPORTS

7.2.1. Updated Animal Inventory to be submitted to the Municipal Agriculture


Office Office January of every year.

7.2.2. Master List of Farmers including the name, barangay, animal inventory,
coordinates, biosecurity level (must be RSBSA registered).

7.2.3. List of Barangay Biosecurity Officers endorsed by Municipal Mayor.

7.2.4. Weekly ASF Monitoring Report submitted to regularly to their respective


LGU and the summary of which to the Municipal Agriculture Office.

7.3. SURVEILLANCE (must have negative laboratory results on ASF)

7.3.1. Barangay Clustering and Testing (initial test during exit from quarantine
protocol or initial phase of repopulation program and every 6 months
thereafter).

7.3.2. Paiwi/Semi-commercial/Commercial farms Testing every 6 months.

7.3.3. Slaughterhouse testing (initial test during exit from quarantine protocol or
initial phase of repopulation program and every 6 months thereafter).

7.3.4. Meat Market Testing (initial test during exit from quarantine protocol or
initial phase of repopulation program and every 6 months thereafter)

7.4. STRUCTURE MODIFICATION

7.4.1. Clustering of Farmers with at least Biosecurity Level 1 to ensure strict


biosecurity implementation.

7.4.2. Farm Biosecurity Evaluation every 6 months.

7.5. SENTINEL PROGRAM (applicable for ASF Infected Zone only)

7.5.1. Letter of Intent to Undergo Exit from Quarantine Protocol

7.5.2. Cleaning and Disinfection of all facilities of the farms within 1km radius of
Infected premise.

7.5.3. Validation of Cleaning and Disinfection (must have negative laboratory


results on ASF).

- Bioassay 1 at day 7 after cleaning and disinfection


- Bioassay 2 at day 14 after cleaning and disinfection
- Bioassay for all the farms within 500 m of infected premise

7.5.4. Sentinel Animals (must have negative laboratory results on ASF)


- Screening Test at Day 7
- Screening Test at Day 21
- PCR Test at Day 40
7.6. STAKEHOLDER EDUCATION.

7.6.1. Orientation of Barangay Biosecurity Officers.

7.6.2. Information Education Campaign Conducted for stakeholders such as, but
not limited to, Barangay Officials, Swine Raisers in the Barangay, Meat
sellers, Barangay Residents and others.

Section 8. DECLARATION OF ASF FREE STATUS. There are two levels of Declaration of
ASF Free Status of an area previously infected with ASF. The requirements for such declarations
are enshrined in the DA AO No. 6 s. 2021.

The first level is the Local Declaration of ASF Free Status for cities/municipalities with certain
barangay/s which have been previously infected with ASF and will be declared ASF Free area by
the Minicipal ASF Task Force.

The second level is the National Declaration of ASF Free Status for the whole Municipality to be
declared by the Bureau of Animal Industry. All barangays of the municipality must be locally
declared ASF Free area prior to application to be declared ASF Free on a national level.

Section 9. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. Within fifteen (15) days from the
effectivity of this Ordinance, the Municipal Agriculture Office, after due consultation with the
concerned sectors, shall formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation in the province. The provisions of the administrative orders issued by
the Department of Agriculture, DA AO No. 6 s. 2021 and DA AO No. 7 s. 2021, shall be part of
the implementing rules and regulations for this Ordinance and shall be implemented in the
whole Municipality of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite.

Section 10. PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES.

10.1. Failure to Report Notifiable Diseases - All animal producers, owners, operators,
farm managers, farm veterinarians, farm consultants and barangay officials who fail to
report notifiable diseases to the LGU Veterinary Office and its counterparts immediately
within 24 hours by the quickest means possible shall be penalized according to Act
2711 or the Revised Administrative Code of 1917 on Animal Quarantine, Act 3573 or
the Act Providing for the Prevention and suppression of dangerous communicable
diseases or RA 9268 whichever is applicable.

10.2. Disobedience, Evasion, Obstructing and Hindering the Municipal ASF Task
Force and their Representatives in the Performance of their Duties - The farm
or establishment owner, transport operator, animal facility operator or any person
acting on his behalf who disobeys, evades, obstructs or hinders the Municipal ASF Task
Force and its counterparts, or any of his enforcement officers or deputized officers to
perform his duty shall be fined the amount of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00)
administrative fee per violation or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both in
the discretion of the court, revocation of all permits issued and may be subject for civil
cases.

10.3. Failure to Comply with Veterinary Regulations and Rules - Failure or refusal of
any person, owner or caretaker, or handler, operators, officers of corporation,
association, organization or establishments to comply with veterinary regulations and
standards as provided herein or by the rules hereinafter set by the Municipal ASF Task
Force shall be fined the amount of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) administrative fee
per violation or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both in the discretion of
the court, revocation of all permits issued, banned from entry in the province,
confiscation of their cargo or impounding of vehicle, and may be subject for civil or
administrative cases, whichever may be applicable.
10.4. Failure to Register at the Master List of Farmers, Animal Establishment and
Livestock Haulers - The farm or establishment owner, transport operator, animal
facility operator or any person acting on his behalf who failed to register their facility or
transport carriers to the LGU shall be not be allowed to conduct or transact business in
the province of Batangas. In the event that, their continued operation without the
proper registration caused damage to the animal industry, civil damages may be
pursued in accordance to Article 2176 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.

10.5. Submission/presentation of tampered, recycled or fake documents for


shipment of animals – The remedies and penalties stated in DA AO No. 5 s. 2019
and DA Memorandum Circular No. 23 s. 2020 shall apply to the person submitting or
presenting tampered, recycled or fake documents without prejudice to filing criminal
and civil cases.

10.6. Other Violations in this Ordinance and its Implementing Rules and
regulations (DA AO No. 6 s. 2021 and DA AO No. 7 s. 2021) - All permits issued
to any person, owners, or establishment due to non-conformance shall be revoked
without prejudice to filing of criminal and civil charges. The Municipal ASF Task Force
shall enforce its authority stated herein.

Section 11. PENALTIES

Any person or business entity who violates any provisions of this Ordinance shall be
meted a penalty of fine of not more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php
2,500.00), or an imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and
imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

Section 12. FUNDS AND RESOURCES

Budgetary requirements for the control and prevention of ASF will be provided by the LGU
through the allocation of appropriations for operating expenses and incentive and/or
compensation allowance for the implementers of “BABAY ASF”.

Section 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If, for any reason or reasons, any section or part of
this ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, other section or parts hereof which are
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 14. REPEALING AND AMENDING CLAUSE. All orders, rules and regulations or
parts thereto which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this ordinance are hereby
repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 15. EFFECTIVITY. This ordinance shall take effect after the completion of its
publication in two (2) newspaper of general circulation and posting in at least three (3)
conspicuous places.

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